Set to premiere on January 10, 2025, “Motel California” tells the story of a woman who was born and raised in a rural motel. She returns to her hometown 12 years after running away and unexpectedly reunites with her first love, leading to a heartwarming and eventful “first love remodeling romance.” The series is based on Shim Yoon-seo’s popular 2019 novel “Home, Bitter Home.”
Lee Se-young plays Ji Kang-hee, an interior designer with a tough life shaped by her unique background of being mixed-race and growing up in a motel. Her portrayal marks a significant transformation for the actress.
Explaining her decision to join the cast, Lee Se-young said, “After reading the original novel, I thought it was a story about life and healing. I also wanted to meet the character Kang Hee, who struggled with self-acceptance from a young age.” Comparing “Motel California” to her previous romance hits like “The Red Sleeve” and “What Comes After Love,” she highlighted the unique charm of the drama, saying, “Sometimes, all it takes is one person who listens to your story to keep you going. The romance between Kang-hee and Yeon-soo, who become each other’s ‘one person,’ sets this story apart.”
Lee Se-young also described her character as “strong yet soft,” saying, “Kang-hee is stubborn, determined, and full of conviction, but also has a tender side, which I find very charming.”
Playing a mixed-race character required special attention to Kang-hee’s appearance. “Because Kang-hee is mixed-race, I paid extra attention to her look. I wore colored lenses, dyed my hair, got a perm, and carefully curated outfits to suit her character,” Lee Se-young revealed. Fans can look forward to seeing a new side of the actress, who has previously charmed audiences with her elegant and pure image.
Lee Se-young also spoke about working with co-star Na In-woo, who plays her first love Yeon-soo. “Kang-hee finds Yeon-soo’s good nature, kind eyes, and upright beliefs irresistible. Na In-woo is calm, composed, and cheerful, making him the center of attention on set. Thanks to him, filming has been very enjoyable.”
Regarding veteran actor Choi Min-soo, who plays Kang-hee’s father Ji Chun-pil, Lee Se-young expressed her affection. The father-daughter duo promises a unique chemistry, with Kang-hee calling her father “Mr. Chun-pil” and the two maintaining a distant yet quirky relationship. “Kang-hee tends to push her father away, which can feel bittersweet, but just working alongside him makes me happy. We get along like a real father and daughter,” she said.
Lee Se-young, who gained the nickname “human ink-wash painting” after her role in “The Red Sleeve,” shared her aspirations, “I want to always be known as an actress whose acting piques curiosity.” She emphasized that the drama’s main appeal lies in its depiction of life and healing, “The imperfect characters help, care for, and overcome challenges with one another. I believe viewers will find healing through these moments of joy and sorrow.”
“Motel California” will premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM (KST) on MBC, offering audiences a heartwarming story of love, growth, and resilience.
The post Lee Se-young Shared Insights About Her Role as the First Mixed-Race Character in “Motel California” appeared first on KBIZoom. KBIZoom – Breaking news about K-pop, K-drama, Anime/Manga and worldwide entertainment KBIZoom – Breaking news about K-pop, K-drama, Anime/Manga and worldwide entertainment
